Starz Pulls Plug on ‘Magic City,’ Last Episode Airing Friday

Here’s some bad news for ‘Magic City’ fans - it has officially been cancelled. Starz has decided not to pursue the series for a third season starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

The Miami-set period drama first premiered in 2012 and showcased a story about mobsters, politicians and entertainers at a high-profile hotel in the late ‘50s around the time Fidel Castro took control of Cuba.

“We are tremendously proud of the series and everyone involved. From the writers, to the cast and crew, it has been an incredible collaboration,” Starz said in a statement on Monday. “This was a story born from Mitch Glazer’s singular vision of Miami, the Magic City of his childhood, and we are grateful to him for bringing it to life on Starz. The season’s story arc will allow us to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the series and we thank all the fans who checked in to the Miramar Playa.”

At this year’s Television Critics Association press event, Starz CEO Chris Albrecht revealed the last few episodes would contain a lot of surprises that would answer several questions. Well, one of those surprises seems to be that the show won't be returning. The series that was ordered straight to series and picked up for a second season before it even premiered has also had some top guest-stars, including James Caan and Sherilyn Fenn.

For those who love the show, you can catch the last episode - now the series finale - this Friday, Aug. 9 at 9/8c.

(Submitted too early) I'm having a lot more trouble understanding the cancellation of Boss last year, because there, I really felt like one sensational episode followed the other. And there was an overarching story that just was far from having been told.

Anamon Level 2 (54%)Points: 1.4Since: 26/Apr/11

Message Posted On Aug 10th, 2013, 9:47 am

Ratings do matter. Whether you call them that, or subscriptions, it's the same thing; it's how many people are interested in it. And if not enough of them watch it, it's being replaced with something that more people are interested in.

I kept going for the first season, but felt like it simply never really took off. The pilot was strangely appealing, and gave the impression of some big things to come. They just never really came. I'm having trouble putting my finger on it. They had good actors, brilliant sets, a great soundtrack... it was technically all really well done... it just somehow never clicked, which is why I didn't feel like going back to it for another season. Maybe too many others felt the same way.

These-Starz-Are

Message Posted On Aug 8th, 2013, 6:18 am

What is happening with Starz lately? They used to be the best, but now their conviction appears to waver all too easily. Perhaps they'll get a better, more competent CEO before this downward spiral gets any worse. After all, they don't have that many major titles.

Silverbrain Level 1 (4%)Since: 12/Sep/10

Message Posted On Aug 6th, 2013, 10:39 am

Bummed about the news, soo much story left to tell and only one episode left won't be enough.

ab Level 2 (36%)Points: 4.4Since: 20/Apr/08

Message Posted On Aug 6th, 2013, 4:57 am

I just hope we have some kind of resolution. Last season ended with everything up in the air (but then again, they knew they were coming back last time).

I don't know why Starz has suck an itchy trigger finger (see also "Boss"). Didn't they learn anything from HBO's dominance? Ratings don't matter because they have no advertisers. Unless people are dropping their subscriptions, keep on keepin' on. The DVD sales are a big source of revenue and of new subscribers if you play your cards right. (See all the other sample episodes SHO puts on the "Dexter" discs for example.)

They'll never grow a long tail if they keep cropping it off after a dozen episodes. They also won't attract the kind of talent that wants to do an epic (say "Game of Thrones") over several years. I sure as hell wouldn't try something like that there without a solid contract.

lockjaw Level 2 (20%)Since: 20/Feb/08

Message Posted On Aug 6th, 2013, 4:35 am

That's a real shock. Another case of a quality show being cancelled way too soon. I for one will really miss it.